Shed Of The Month-January 2012: Heartland’s Rainier Shed!

At Heartland, we’ve been building carefully engineered sheds and backyard products for over 35 years.  Since they are sold exclusively at a fine retailer like Lowe’s, why not show them off?  So we’ve decided to feature one shed a month and highlight some of the features and options that we feel might help you out with your storage needs.

For January 2012, the Shed of the Month goes to the Rainier….our most popular model.

• 6ft. tall side walls…plenty or room to hang shelves to get stuff off the floor!  Maximizing your space-that’s important!

• Extra-wide 64in. double doors…for that riding lawn mower.

• Standard wood floor…believe it or not, floors aren’t standard with all shed companies.

• Over 10ft. tall roof peak..and there is a free 4′ x 10′ loft for extra storage.

• Patented EZ Frame construction

• Available as a DIY kit, or have it professionally installed by visiting your local Lowe’s store.

Here is a nice interior shot, showing how you can fit in all kinds of lawn mowers, hobby “stuff”, leaving plenty of room to walk around.  We find when planning for their shed, many people forget to leave space to actually walk around in it, as well as space they will need as the number of items they own grows over time.

We liked this building so much, we featured it in our Heartland shed video on YouTube!  This video, as well as a few others on the Heartland channel, shows you how easy it is build this shed.  You can also view shingling and roofing tips.

Also, you can view the Heartland Rainier reviews on Lowe’s.com…4.5 star rating!

 

Going To The Shed

Well, we have uncovered many a use for sheds at Heartland, however, THIS surpasses anything we’ve ever seen!  Enjoy!

 

“Woodshed” becomes Urbanely Hip

Now when many of us when we hear the term “woodshed”,  what first comes to mind is someone being taken out back and fearfully awaiting the punishment of choice….along with the relief that it is not YOU being the one that is trotted off to face the reckoning.

Well much like the shed building itself, the meaning of woodshed has changed over time.  It has changed from a place where images of medieval torture occur to someplace hip, inspirational,where talent grows.  Consider the following, courtesy of the Urban Dictionary:

1. woodshed To lock oneself away with a musical instrument and practice, either a particular piece or in general, until the player has improved greatly or can perfectly play the piece he has been practicing.Due to the many hours he spent woodshedding, Jon became a better guitarist.  2. woodshed To practice a musical instrument. The woodshed is where you go to sharpen your axe.“Can’t go out tonight – I’ve gotta woodshed.”  3. woodshed To beat an opponent comfortably. In soccer terms, its equivalent to a goal difference of 4 between teams.‘haha,you got taken to the woodshed!!! ‘  ‘lol he got woodsheded!’   4. woodshed An allusion to being corporally punished, where the victim would be sent to the woodshed to await his punisher. The woodshed was a popular location, because it was remote from the rest of the family, and there was abundant material there for fashioning a paddle or a switch.Get to the woodshed boy – your pa is gonna tan your hide when he gets home from the mill.  5. Woodshed AKA shedding, woodshedding is one of the most ambiguous jazz terms around (but the version I learned from old time players will be posted here). Shedding is the act of intensely practicing your instrument after being publicly humiliated by your bad playing. This humiliation might be from a terrible solo or from not knowing the key the piece is played in (not being able to improvise in all keys). Shedding usually includesThis is derived from getting your *** beaten (with scraps from a woodshed).I went down to a jam session at —– about a month ago, and this other tenor player just tore my *** UP. So I shedded every day since, and I’m finally confident and able enough to play in public again.

 

Transforming A Shed Into A Chicken Coop

Heartland has been manufacturing sheds for over 35 years, and we always love to see the creativity some of our customers use in how they decorate their shed, and the purposes they use them for!  It is truly rewarding to see something we have a passion for become such an integral part of a person’s yard.

So recently we were thrilled to see one customer email us pictures of her Heartland Rainier shed that she converted into a chicken coop.  What’s great about this was not only did it require just a few minor changes, but purchasing the shed kit was apparently cheaper than a prefab coop. And the end result is a VERY nice looking shed that makes a great home for the chickens, protecting them from the elements.  (LOVE the sign above the door and the finishing touches!)

So…. how was the shed converted into the chicken coop?

 

1. A roof vent was purchased and added.
2. 2 windows that the customer happened to have were added, although your standard shed windows can be used.
3. A pop door was made in the rear of the shed for the chickens to use as an outdoor run.
4. The interior was adjusted for the chickens to be able to nest and sleep.

You can read more on tips how to customize a shed into a chicken coop here.

 

Shed Buying Tips

When looking at buying a shed, there’s a bit more to consider more than “I have to have a place to put my stuff”.  Sure, it’s the #1 reason people purchase a storage building, but taking 5 minutes to ask yourself a few questions will ensure you don’t get stuck with a shed that you’re stuck with for years and didn’t meet your needs.  After all, a shed is an investment and like an investment, deserves a little thought as to how it will pay off.

You only need to ask yourself one question really….it may branch off from there, but it all starts with:

 What is important to you?

Is it:

• Size?  Do you want something small to fit into a small space or do you want something large to grow into?

• Style?  Do you like the A-framed Gable style shed, or the barn shaped Gambrel?  Or do you prefer a saltbox style?

• Sidewall height?  Do you want 6 or 7 foot walls?

• Wall framing?   Do you want economical 2×3 framing, or 2×4 framing that will withstand a strong snow and wind load?

• The shed’s warranty?  Do you prefer a more economical building that has a 10-year warranty, or does a more premium shed with a 15-year warranty meet your needs?

• The door opening?  Does 48″ work, or would you like something more like 64″ to get that riding lawn mower in?

The most important thing really is that you get the shed building that you are happy with, and that meets your GROWING needs. Taking a few moments to contemplate what you really should purchase will save you years of staring at a shed on your property that just isn’t what you need it to be.

 

Sheds: DIY vs. Professionally Installed

Storage space is at a premium for many people. Attics, garages and basements are stuffed full of belongings. Adding a shed to the property will greatly help to improve problems people may have with their storage space. Adding storage buildings can either be professionally installed or they can be built by the homeowner through using shed kits and appropriate shed plans.

When building a shed, it will be easiest to do this through the use of shed plans and shed kits. Depending on the needs of the homeowner and the type of storage space that is desired, there are shed kits that can accommodate any situation. This storage space can be a simple shed for storing the lawn mower and extra gardening tools, or can be one of several storage buildings that are erected on a property. Shed plans in the kit will give the homeowner clear directions on the preparation and building of the shed. This will also give the user a detailed list of tools that are required and materials that are needed to appropriately build this storage space.

In addition to the shed plans, the use of shed kits will make the building of storage buildings extremely easy. Shed kits will generally provide the homeowner with most of the items needed to build the shed. However, shed kits can be quite varied. Some will include pre-fabricated sections, so all that needs to be done would be to piece the shed together. Other shed kits are not as detailed and may just include the basic shed plans and some general items required for the building process.
When it comes to having a professionally installed storage space, there are pros and cons to this. When storage buildings are purchased, there may or may not be shipping and delivery charges that are added to the cost. This certainly adds to the overall price of the shed and can make it significantly more costly than one built by the homeowner through the use of shed plans.

Convenience is definitely one main reason to choose having a shed professionally installed. The homeowner can also be confident in knowing that the storage buildings that are professionally installed will be built properly and should last for years to come. If unsure about one’s building skills, having a shed installed for you is the better way to go, especially if it comes with a labor warranty.

Whether one uses shed kits and builds on their own or has professionally installed storage buildings, the homeowner is certain to gain valuable storage space.

 

How The ‘Ipod Factor’ Could Influence Your Choice Of Shed

Many thanks to our guest blogger, John Coupe, who runs a fantastic website at:
www.secrets-of-shed-building.com.  Go check it out, it’s so informative!

It was summer and I was searching for fossils on the beach with my 9 year old son. And being August in the UK it of course started to pour down with rain!

That was OK…we had sort of expected it and had our rain coats on. After half an hour we were soaked to the skin. I found out when I got back home that my new ipod which I kept safely in an inner pocket of my coat had got wet….. very wet.

Disaster, the water had caused damage so that the music player no longer worked.

I tried drying it out slowly, no luck.

I tried getting help at my local Apple shop, no luck.

I tried a specialist repairer, no luck.

It turns out that once your ipod goes wrong you need a new one.

What has all this got to do with shed kits?

 My experience with the ipod had got me thinking. How easy is it to repair different types of shed kit?

There are three basic materials that a shed kit can be made of.  The three common materials are:

• Metal

• Plastic

• Timber

Good looking sheds can be made from each of the different materials. But some of the materials are inherently more robust and repairable than the others.

What is robustness?

When I am talking about robustness, I am not just asking whether they will support the load from a heavy fall of snow or resist the force of a 112mph wind. For a small structure such as a shed these things are fairly easy to achieve. Manufacturers of the sheds, made from all types of materials, that you see advertising will quote tests and research that show their product will resist all sorts of forces.

I want to look at two types of commonly occurring incidents that demonstrate robustness;

• The first one is a relatively small high speed impact, like that from a high speed baseball.

• The other is more major damage such as that caused by a large branch falling on to the shed roof.

Damage sustained to Metal Sheds

First let’s look at what might happen to a metal shed if it was hit by a speeding baseball.

The sort of damage that you can expect from a speeding baseball on a metal shed is a dent in the metal. The depth of the dent depends on the thickness of metal that is used. The cheapest metal sheds are made of corrugated steel and after a severe impact they would most definitely have a dent in the side.

Dents in corrugated metal are not that easy to seamlessly repair. The paint on the surface of the metal is cracked and so the corrosion system is compromised. After the next winter or two, rust will start to appear. The area of the dent will look unsightly too. Beating the dent out and using filler, like a car body repair, is not really an option, there will always be creases and ripples. The best option would be to replace the panel – does the manufacturer of the shed sell replacement panels specific to your shed model?

As to damage from a falling branch well the whole roof would be bent and several panels would need to be replaced. From my experience of metal sheds, a new shed would be the order of the day.

Damage to Plastic Sheds

Plastic sheds come in a variety of strengths and types. Many plastic sheds are quite impact resistant. However if the ball was travelling fast enough to damage the shed then a a replacement panel from the manufacturer would be required. Once again the problem here is does the supplier of your plastic shed individual panels?

As to the falling  branch major damage would mean several panels to replace. I would say that once again a new shed would be required.

 

Damage to Timber Sheds

For damage to timber sheds I could talk about all sorts of timber cladding. Instead I will just talk about the ½ inch thick Smartside siding that is supplied on the Heartland sheds. From my experience the baseball would just bounce off, perhaps leaving a small mark on the paintwork.

As to what would happen when a tree branch fell on the roof. Assuming that it was a big tree branch, it could cause certain areas of the structure to crack or break.  Heartland sheds are built of timber of a commonly available size and the siding and roofing material are easily available too.

Major repairs would need a trip to the timber yard and a few hours replacing the damaged parts.

No new shed needed there…. just a few quick repairs and we are back in business.

When considering which type of shed you are going to buy- think about the “ipod factor”

We can see that for both metal and plastic sheds they look attractive when new. However, fairly common impacts can result in damage that requires replacement of specialized parts or even whole new shed.

The timber shed by contrast is more robust and is able to shrug off smaller impacts. When it comes to the larger impacts repair is a good option using locally available building materials.

Now then… remind me to write a letter to Steve Jobs asking him to make the next version of the ipod a bit more like a timber shed. ;o)

Article by: John Coupe from www.secrets-of-shed-building.com 

Read more case studies about shed builders of all types at the building a shed page on his website.

 

Heartland Working To Aid Tornado Victims With Sheds

In April 2011, the south of the U.S. was subject to severe storms which resulted in over 337 people killed in 7 states.  Alabama was hit the hardest by tornadoes and countless neighborhoods were reduced to rubble.

One family… one of many to have lost their home, received a shed building  from Heartland to store their belongings while they went through the rebuilding process.  Over a weekend it was built for them, so they could securely lock up what they had left.

All this took was several hours of time, and some building materials, to make a big difference in one family’s life.  If we all give in whichever way we can, big or small, it all adds up to make a big difference.

Please consider today making a donation of time, money, or household goods to the organization of your choice-it could mean the world to someone.

Below are some links of possible ways to help:

LINKS

American Red Cross

Volunteer Match

Help The Children

Direct Relief

 

Sheds-Customizing Yours With Paint!

There are so many ways to customize your shed, with shelves, ramps, windows, skylights…..you name it. But one of the easiest?  Paint your new shed to match your house color!

You’ve already put a lot of effort into picking out the color scheme of your house, why not apply all of that hard work to your new shed? In addition to adding to the durability of your shed, you increase curb appeal and property value. It’s easier than most people realize to match the colors of your house!

First look for a paint can from the last time you had the house painted and look for a color name or color code. If you can’t find that, then simply bring the samples of your current house colors to your nearest paint store and they will match the color exactly.

You don’t need much…..2 gallons of primary paint and 1 quart of trim paint is usually all it take to paint a 10×10 shed, which is not much of an expense when compared to the rewards. For added convenience make sure to add the paint option to your Heartland shed purchase and we will paint it for you!

 

So for a few dollars and a couple hours of your time, your shed is transformed into a beautiful outdoor storage building that will last throughout years of abuse from the harshest elements.  Well worth the investment!

 

 

Installed Heartland Wood Storage… Just the FAQ’s Maam.

I‘ve decided on an installed Heartland building from Lowe’s but I still have questions…

Hopefully, these frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) about storage buildings and specifically Heartland Installed wood storage buildings will help you make an informed decision. Don’t forget, you can also buy a quality Heartland building as a DIY (Do it yourself) kit and with a bit of sweat equity, create your very own backyard building!

Are there any additional assembly costs?

A:  No, the price of our DIFM Installed units includes professional, on-site construction by a Heartland certified installer.

 

How long does it take to get my building delivered?

A:  We pride ourselves on our quick delivery times.  Once we recieve your order, a Heartland associate will contact you within 48 hours to schedule a tentative installation date.   Typically, we will be out to construct your building within 14 to 21 days (weather permitting).

 

How long does it take to construct my building?

A.  Although there are exceptions, the majority of our buildings are constructed within one day.  If you are purchasing a 12’ wide or larger building, please allow 2 to 3 days for completion.

 

What should I do to prepare the site prior to your arrival?
A:  Not much.  We do require the construction area to be cleared and prepared to within 6” of level, that we have at least 3’ of clearance around and above the building site (4 feet if your building is larger than 160 sq. ft.).  We will also need access to electricity within 150 feet of the unit and unobstructed access to carry your materials to the building site. We will take care of the rest!
Do I need to be home while my building is being constructed?

A:  It is not necessary to be present for every phase of the construction process.  We do ask however that you are initially available to show our installer the proper placement of your unit and are also available upon completion to do a walk through inspection with our certified installer.

 

What about covenant restrictions or permits?
A:  It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that the building is permitted in the intended location.  We strongly recommend verifying your installation by contacting your Home Owners Association and the local Building Department. If stamped drawings, schematics or additional information is necessary, please give us a call, we’re here to help. Depending on the issue, additional charges may apply.

 

What is your standard Warranty?

A:  In short, simply the best.  Heartland has been constructing buildings nationwide for almost 35 years.  Every building comes with a top to bottom, worry free warranty.  If your building needs to be repaired, please give us a call.

 

What size and style building is right for me?

A: Heartland makes it easy to pick out just the right building. First, choose your style from one of our classic designs. Second, choose the size that best fits your needs for storage today and tomorrow. Small buildings are economical and fit smaller backyards. Medium sized buildings are perfect for riding mowers, workshops and hobby areas. Larger buildings are the ultimate in storage for larger recreational vehicles, motorcycles and other oversized equipment. Lastly, choose your option package(s) or special options that customize the building to exactly meet your needs.

 

What kind of paint do you recommend?

A:  We recommend 100% acrylic latex paint.  This paint is easy to work with and is offered at your local hardware or paint store. Don’t forget to caulk all horizontal seams before painting for a well protected, professionally finished result.

 

I have an existing concrete slab, can you build on it?

A:  Although the vast majority of our buildings are constructed on our superior floor system and sufficient for any application, we do have the ability to construct your Heartland building on an existing slab provided the slab is level and appropriately sized.  Because of the individual nature of each slab, please contact us to determine if your slab meets our specifications.

 

What types of standard building materials do you use?

A:  All Heartland products are meant to last, therefore we use the same building products used to construct your home:

* 4×4 40 year treated runners
* Structural framing materials
* 5/8” OSB floor decking or treated plywood is available
* 7/16 roof sheathin
* Residential A-grade asphalt shingle
* 30 year pre-primed, insect resistant Smartside wood siding.

 

Are your installers insured?

A:  Having someone in your backyard that you can trust is important. We require all of our installers to maintain appropriate liability, vehicle and workman’s compensation insurance. In addition, all installers must pass a rigorous background check and complete our training program before becoming certified as a Heartland installer.

 

Can my building be moved after it has been constructed?

A. In most cases, depending on the size of the unit and the distance required, your building can be moved.  Please keep in mind that each Heartland shed is hand crafted on your lot and moving the building will void your warranty.  That is why we request your presence at the beginning of the construction phase, to ensure you choose the proper location for your building  for the first and hopefully last time.

 

I love the basic building, but I want more options…

A:  We offer a wide array of options and accessories and can customize each shed to adequately meet your needs.  When placing your order, please be sure to communicate your needs and intended use.  Please remember, it’s always more cost effective to order all of your options during the initial purchase.